William G. Finnecy, CPA, CVA

William G. Finnecy is a partner with Malin, Bergquist & Company, LLP, one of Erie’s oldest and largest certified public accounting firms, with offices in Pittsburgh. A tax specialist since 1988, and representing organizations in northwest Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, he supervises the firm’s tax practice in Erie.

Among Bill’s clients are businesses engaged in construction, industry, material handling, transportation, real estate and manufacturing, as well as influential non-profit agencies. Also, he handles individual tax returns for owners and executives of client organizations. He has been featured on the Erie Times-News’ front page about taxation reform.

Bill has a deep knowledge of the financial, tax and audit issues facing construction businesses and has made recommendations on the pricing of services and bidding procedures. He also has consulted on multi-state tax strategies and compliance, performed audits and represented construction companies before federal, state and local taxing authorities. Among his specialties are leading edge research and development studies consulting, providing witness testimony in litigation, and serving as a certified valuation analyst.

Bill’s other clients include some of the best-known companies in Northwest Pennsylvania. Among them are Erie Shipbuilding LLC; a national rental-purchase concern; one of the oldest amusement parks in continuous use in the nation; an Erie-based material handling equipment dealer; a real estate developer; and a registered investment advisor. In the non-profit arena, Bill’s clients include the Erie chapter of a national youth organization. He has spoken on tax and accounting issues at Gannon University and to a machining and tooling association.

Bill’s work for individuals has ranged from complex estate planning and family limited partnerships to closely held stock redemptions, stock option planning and compliance. He also has helped banks, brokers, registered investment advisors and attorneys regarding business and individual financial planning matters.

Before joining Malin Bergquist in 1999, Bill was a partner with an Erie CPA firm (1992-1999) and earlier was with a regional CPA firm in Cleveland (1988-1992). Bill attended the University of Illinois National Tax Education Program (1994-1997 and 2003). He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting (1988) from Kent State.

Professional & Community Affiliations - Bill is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (2004 President; Executive Committee Chair, Erie Chapter; and 2007 Chair of the statewide Nominations Committee) and Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. He has been a panelist on the Athena PowerLink Project supporting women owned business initiatives. He is an advisor to Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott, has assisted the Erie City Council, and volunteered with the Knights of Columbus and COSE Cleveland. He is a board director of Erie Vision and Blindness Resources and has served on the Campaign Cabinet of the United Way of Erie County and with its Leadership Giving Committee and Young Leaders Club (founder).